A few months ago, as we ate oatmeal for breakfast, I read to my girls about Moses and the burning bush. My 3-year-old appeared deep in thought. When she spoke as I paused to turn a page, her statement left me speechless: “I know, mommy, let’s have doughnuts!” I wasn’t speechless because she shared some deep insight or asked an … [Read more...] about Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
preschoolers
Winter Worksheets for Preschoolers
As I did last fall, I’ve created some worksheets to supplement the other materials my preschooler uses as we do preschool at home. This set contains winter-themed images (snowflakes, sweaters, snowmen, hot chocolate, mittens, etc.). (Click on the image below to view and download printable versions of the worksheets.) Even if you’re … [Read more...] about Winter Worksheets for Preschoolers
18 Children’s Books that Feature Multiracial Families
Last fall, as Thanksgiving neared, I was reading to my children numerous books on the topic of giving thanks. I was pleasantly surprised when we opened one of these books and saw that it featured a mixed-race family. Up until that point, I had seen very few children’s books that feature families like mine (a black parent and a white … [Read more...] about 18 Children’s Books that Feature Multiracial Families
Take Heart, Mama: 5 Truths that Will Transform Your Mothering
All around me I see fellow moms who are struggling. I see stay-at-home moms who wonder if they would be contributing more to society if they worked and working moms who feel guilty because they spend so much time away from their kids. I see moms who are worried that their choices regarding discipline or schooling will ruin their children. I … [Read more...] about Take Heart, Mama: 5 Truths that Will Transform Your Mothering
Why Board Games are Beneficial for Kids
I have many fun memories of playing board games with my sister when we were growing up. We’d play for hours, sometimes laughing as we made up our own rules and sometimes glowering as we engaged in intense competition. Regardless of what approach we used, we ended up bonding and having fun. Until recently, my little ones were too young … [Read more...] about Why Board Games are Beneficial for Kids
6 Tips for Having a Successful Family Photo Shoot
We recently headed out to take family photos. We’ve captured some less-than-ideal photos when we’ve done this in the past, so I wanted to do everything I could to make sure we got great shots this time. Based on my experience, there are a number of pretty simple things we can do to increase the chances that our family photo sessions are … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Having a Successful Family Photo Shoot
Raising Kids Who Love to Read
I’m absolutely delighted that both of my kiddos love books. They constantly bring me books to read to them. If I happen to be busy cooking or cleaning, they’ll often sit and look through books on their own. The reason this delights me so much is because reading is one of the most valuable skills a person can have; the benefits of … [Read more...] about Raising Kids Who Love to Read
Pizza-Themed Clothespin Number Match
My preschooler loves to count objects. She counts the carrots sticks on her plate, the socks she has pulled from the laundry basket, the books stacked on the table, etc. I’ve taken advantage of her interest by giving her several clothespin number match activities. These come in a variety of formats, but most are circular in shape. The … [Read more...] about Pizza-Themed Clothespin Number Match
